Famous Yellowstone wolf was shot, reward offered for info

JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Yellowstone officials have confirmed to Buckrail that the famous white wolf found dying last month was shot. Preliminary results from the necropsy of the Canyon Pack alpha female wolf showed that she suffered from a gunshot wound.

Hikers discovered the mortally wounded wolf April 11, inside Yellowstone National Park near Gardiner, Montana. Park staff responded and euthanized the animal due to the severity of its injuries. The deceased wolf was sent to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Forensics Laboratory in Ashland, Oregon for a necropsy. The lab has transferred the preliminary results to Yellowstone National Park.

National Park Service law enforcement believes the wolf was shot on the north side of the park, near Gardiner, or near the Old Yellowstone Trail which is located in the park on the northern boundary. The incident likely occurred sometime between April 10 at 1 a.m. and April 11 at 2 p.m.

“Due to the serious nature of this incident, a reward of up to $5,000 is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for this criminal act,” said Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Dan Wenk.

The wolf was one of three known white wolves in the park. She lived to 12 years, twice the age of an average wolf in the park, and had a broad range that extended from Hayden Valley to the Firehole River area to the northern portion of the park. As the alpha female for over nine years with the same alpha male, she had at least 20 pups, 14 of which lived to be yearlings. She was one of the most recognizable wolves and sought after by visitors to view and photograph.

Anyone with information about this incident that could help with this investigation, is urged to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB). Informants can remain anonymous.